Day 47

Day 47

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

This day turned out better than expected in some small ways; but also very depressing in some ways.  To start with, TGF’s son was only mildly annoying, and was content to be in another room listening to his radio.  TGF helped me go through more of the random stuff,  including some of the paperwork, that’s still piled up on my hall shelves.

When it was time to leave, we went into town first.  I stopped at the bank and learned that DH’s account had been closed .. but I’ve not heard from the Clerk’s office, so will need to call and ask when I can get their check. 

Then we went on to Durham.  We got there about an hour early, but they called me back about 20 minutes early.  I wasn’t able to find out anything about my “status”, because there is STILL a lot of inflammation.  It’s very frustrating … they’re not telling me anything about how to control it (other than more eye drops .. but  *if* it’s caused by arthritis, how to I prevent the inflammation in the first place?)  Anyway, the doctor put me back on the anti-inflamatory drops again, and also on a tapering schedule (which is pretty much what I did last time).  I do have to go back (and see a different doctor, no idea why) in about a week and a half, to check the pressure.  It was OK yesterday (Wednesday), but he said the new drops tend to make the pressure go up.  But, they also want me to see yet another doctor, an “inflammatory specialist”.  My impression (and no one actually gave me much of a straight answer) is that they want to determine why I’m getting the inflammation in the first place.  The PA that I saw before the doctor said I couldn’t have arthritis because my joints weren’t all red and swollen.  And I told him (as I’ve told them before), I’ve never been “officially” diagnosed with anything.  But about 8 or so years ago, when I had to see an orthopaedic doctor for a sprained knee, he said (according to my X-ray) I had arthritis at least in that knee.  But he also said that “everyone” does, it’s a natural part of aging.  All I know is that a lot of the time I have very painful joints; and taking Aleve helps, usually.

Anyway, that’s 2 more trips to Durham … one more this month, and one next in addition to a trip to the OBx …. And since it’s up to me to come up with gas $$, I guess I won’t have any grocery money.  It’s very frustrating and depressing.  I have really good insurance that covers all the doctor appointments .. but it’s still costing me money that I don’t really have.

And because I needed something else depressing .. I have discovered that 3 of my favorite shows have season ending shows on Monday and Tuesday next week .. the very nights I won’t be home.  I do not want to miss the kid’s concerts just for TV shows.  But it’s depressing that I not only have no way whatsoever of recording them … I don’t even know anyone I can ask to record them for me (and in a way that I can see them later).  One show I will eventually catch on reruns.  One show (Dancing) I can catch later in the summer on Netflix at DS’s house (although by then I’ll know who won).  But the top favorite, AI, I will miss though I should (maybe) be home in time for the results show.  It’s a small thing, really …. Just one more depressing element of how my life is now.

We got back here about 6:15 or so.  I was so tired, I even dozed off during AI!!   But then, of course, I woke up … completely wide awake … about 4:30.  TGF will come this morning and take me to get the neew eye drops, and to the grocery store.  It’s supposed to be rainy by the afternoon .. might be a good time for a nap!